Notes from STN training with Tina Clarke, March 29 – 30, 2014.

These notes were taken from the poster papers that we developed over the course of the weekend.

Environment

Environment is everything: place; resources, people, plants, wildlife

Everything we do impacts some aspect of the environment

If we treat everything as part of our team. Sticking with each other. Decisions become clear, come naturally when we care and love. Care about every part of our team.

Without the environment, what will happen to us? Without a reliable climate.

I’m concerned about the climate crisis. Urgently. We need to act NOW.

Bees

National security

Actions

Make the environment safe for the future.

Economy

Historic local economics

Sense of Dislocation and Alienation can be eased when we know the people who make and sell thing we use.

Increases sense of connection of place

We need to ensure physical needs are met.

Energy

An underlying need/theme in our lives are economic and environment.

We can produce more locally: distributed energy, more energy, and self reliant. Let’s support our energy community. They’re helping individuals and groups.

We can save $ by increasing our efficiency.

We can make smart investments for the future. Stability in cost.

Equity and Fairness

I’m proud of people who find themselves out of a job, disabled, senior .

Equity and fairness is essential to community functioning.

Equity and fairness drives innovation and cooperation.

Process

Three discussions. (=three meetings)

Introduction

Discussion becomes proposal

Decision /Action

Objections

Stand- aside

Blocking-paramount objection.

Pay attention to non-verbal communication.

Remember that real solutions are not always immediately obvious.

Patience.

How to set up a “HUB” group/network
Projects vs. initiative in community vs. hub
Projects – consensus decision-making — how to collaborate
Heart Relationships how to connect, underlying Inner Transition
Lifting everyone up
Personal growth; interpersonal
Trust; trust in group

Ways to Create Social Change – Insights and Limitations Hands on (Do!)
Lead by doing (set examples)
Easiest to get others involved
Practical – got something done, got other’s attention and perhaps appreciation
Less frustrating
Effective when people can see the results.
Limitations
Sometimes little or no focus, confusing as to what intent/point is
Very local – may not translate to larger change
Could be impermanent – no change in attitude or lifestyle

Ideas, Beliefs, Values, Spirituality, Worldview, Language
Ideas motivate behavior
Cassirer’s view: philosophers lead culture – all great ideas end up in the Readers Digest
Limitations
You can kill ideas and motivation by talking too much
People are very attached to their ideas to the point of dogmatism
sometimes experience “confirmation bias” where they fail to recognize their ideas failures or evidence to the contrary.

Politics Elections
Courts
Lobbying
Democratic Citizenship
System is already set up!
Power and recognition are built in
Respect and resources are also built in
Socially accepted
Better than an authoritarian police state

Limitations
Susceptible to the influence of money
Dirty tricks are also tempting to those in power.
Power corrupts!

Insights
Targeted Investment/Consumption will cause shifts in business direction, priorities, and actions.
REconomy.org

Limitations
Outcomes can be unpredictable (unexpected consequences).
Can be out voted by wealthier groups
Doesn’t work for all areas.

Non-violent Social Change/Civil Disobedience
Direct, less hurdles, easy to orchestrate (really?)
Significant, media worthy – does that create a spectacle
Statement of significance/beliefs
At a certain scale, it can be very, very impressive
Limitations
Have to be disciplined/trained
Controversial tactic can result in negative associations
Not for everyone

Violence/Property Destruction

Inner Transition

How to help people with their wounds:
Worthlessness
Offer them a simple/complex task, depending on the situation
Validate them by paying attention.
• Listen
• Re-iterate what you’ve heard them say
• Appreciate them
Inner attitude – fake it till you make it
Honor people, acknowledge them.
Separation/Isolation
Noticing People
Inquiring – asking them questions, saying thank you, appreciating and thanking them
Unsafe
Invite introductions – include 1 positive life experience
Teach active listening without judgment
Invite group to create Agreements
(Pre) educate group about hidden wounds that can present themselves unexpectedly
Ice-breaker activities
Facilitator can share a level playing field
Powerlessness
Small (and large) group exercises
Start with check-in – opportunities to be recognized, give people a chance to say what they came to say, perhaps.
Feature a “theme” – a small thing where individuals can make a difference
Film/speaker/group conversation
“how someone made a difference in your life”
What is your point of access/connection to the issue?

Outer agenda can include a goal – choreboard
Tasks posted & individuals make notes of interests/needs
“outer powerlessness” is addressed this way.

Scarcity
Lack of money (sense of shame)
1) Emphasize others gifts
2) Everyone has a gift – skills, talents
3) Groups have interests in every individual contributing to the whole
Lack of time
1) Allow flexible schedule.
2) Welcome what can be offered.
3) Tools to empower ( open space)
Lack of ideas – fear of not being able to contribute.
1) NO PRESSURE
2) Holding space
3) Good listening
Education